On the day of commemorating his first year in office as the elected head of the Tibetan people, Kalon Tripa Dr Lobsang Sangay and his cabinet colleagues had an official ceremony. His Holiness Karmapa was requested to be the chief guest of the ceremony that was held at Tsuglag khang Mcleodganj.
Prior to the ceremonial speech, Central Tibetan Administration has organised a public prayer service in solidarity with the critical situation inside Tibet at the Tsug-la Khang, the main temple.
His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa presided over the prayer session that was attended by officials of the exile administration and thousands of Tibetans and supporters.
Dr Sangay in his public address following the prayer session reiterated the 14th Kashag’s guiding principles of “unity, innovation and self-reliance,” and paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the elder generations.
Earlier in the morning, His Holiness opened the new Tsuphu Bookstore that is located near to Gyuto Monastery at Sidhbari. The Tsurphu Bookstore aims to collect all the dharma teachings and art of His Holiness the Gyalwang Karmapa.

5th – 9th June -Norbulingka Institute, Dharamsala

First Hand Account

Given the focus of this year’s conference, it seemed appropriate that, as the delegates gathered in the grounds of the Norbulingka Institute to await the arrival of His Holiness the 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, the temperature was climbing steadily to 42 degrees. This year, Dharamsala has experienced both unusually severe winter conditions, with snow filling the Kangra Valley for the first time in fifty years, and unusually high summer temperatures. It is a reminder to everyone present that we are now living with climate change impacts.

Celebrating World Environment Day, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa and the Honorable Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament launched the 4th Khoryug Conference on Environmental Protection for Tibetan Buddhist Monasteries, which will focus on Biodiversity, Climate Change and Natural Disaster Preparedness.

21 May,2012 – Dharamsala

The Gyalwang Karmapa held a special audience with more than 200 students, staff and Western volunteers, from the nearby Spiti Hostel, a boarding facility providing accommodation for young men and women from the Himalayan regions of Lahaul-Spiti in Himachal Pradesh and Zanskar in Jammu-Kashmir. In the main, the young people are post-16 years old students in local schools and colleges.

After welcoming them all warmly, the Gyalwang Karmapa spoke of the profound bond of religion, culture and even customs, which links people across the Himalaya.

First of all, he reminded the students that they had the opportunity not only to pursue their own goals and ambitions through higher education but also to make an impact on their own communities as well as society at large. Thus, he warned, they needed to reflect carefully on their motivation at each step of the way, because their motivation would influence both their direction and Read the rest of this article

For five days this year’s Monlam had been held at the Monlam Pavilion, two kilometers from Bodhgaya, so it felt strange on the sixth day to be in Bodhgaya, standing at the entrance to the Mahabodhi stupa grounds at five o’clock in the morning once more. Strange, but also very comfortable, like coming home. This ancient site radiates a pervasive feeling of sacredness, as if the broken stones themselves are a repository for two thousand years of devotion, hope, and trust in the way of the Buddha. Sitting under the bodhi tree, waiting for the Gyalwang Karmapa to arrive, people commented that they missed being at the stupa. However, for once, laypeople were able to sit where the novice monks and nuns would have been sitting, closer to the shrine, His Holiness and the bodhi tree, rather than crowded into the margins, hidden behind monuments, or perched precariously on the grass banks. Perhaps they had forgotten the advantages of the pavilion, where everyone is included and can have a clear view of Read the rest of this article

Quotes from the 17th Karmapa

Each person must find his or her own path. Nonetheless, seek guidance from wise and compassionate people and listen to them earnestly. This will help you find the best way to proceed – now and in the future.- Karmapa on Guidance

All traditions, whether religious or secular, have developed to benefit human society. In the event that a tradition or system becomes harmful, there’s no need to insist on following it.- Karmapa on Tradition

Human beings are the most intelligent and resourceful species on earth. If we use our intelligence to cause more suffering, rather than to bring some real benefit to others and ourselves, we are no better than beasts.- Karmapa on Intelligence

Just to simply relax and rest in your own natural state is all that you need to do. When you give yourself that opportunity, you’ll find that presence extends to the other parts of your life.- Karmapa on Meditation

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